The Awareness Campaign Workshop “From Sea toSolution: Building the Mediterranean Blue Future,” organizedin frame of the 2B-BLUE project, took place on 7 May 2026 at the Ismail Qemali University of Vlorë, Albania. The event convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from academia (University of Vlora, researchers, Rectorate and students), public institutions (Agency of Coastal Areas, Municipality of Vlora, Vlora County), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the private sector (Tourism and Fisheries Companies), with the aim of promoting awareness and fostering dialogue on Blue Biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture.
The workshop opened with a presentation by Rigers Bakiu and Silvia Durmishaj Bakiu, which was about the Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (ACEPSD), outlining its mission, experience, and role within the 2B-BLUE project. Particular emphasis was placed on its contribution to piloting innovative approaches in sustainable aquaculture, especially in the Bay of Vlora. A key highlight of the event was the introduction of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), an innovative model that integrates species from different trophic levels within a single system. By recycling nutrients and organic matter, IMTA enhances environmental sustainability, improves water quality, and increases production efficiency.
The Albanian pilot demonstrates the potential of combining species such as fish, bivalves, and benthic organisms to create a circular and resource-efficient aquaculture system. Theworkshop also presented the main findings of the “Analyses and Recommendations on Blue Economy and Blue Biotechnologies in Albania.” This assessment highlights the country’s strong potential for growth in aquaculture and Blue
Biotechnology, while identifying key challenges, including limited infrastructure, the need for innovation support, and stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
The recommendations emphasize targeted financial support, improved environmental safeguards, and enhanced regional cooperation to ensure sustainable and competitive development. Interactive sessions, including a questionnaire-based survey and a roundtable discussion (“Community Blue Dialogue”), encouraged active stakeholder participation from Vlora DMO, Experts about Marine Conservation (PPNEA-Vlore, CERCI, CELIM), Agency of Coastal Areas and University of Vlora with exchanges of perspectives on sustainable aquaculture, blue biotechnology development, and climate change challenges.
Overall, the workshop successfully strengthened awareness, promoted stakeholder engagement, and highlighted the importance of innovative, sustainable solutions for advancing Albania’s blue economy within the broader Mediterranean context.
